India launches sweeping biofuel bunkering code to decarbonise shipping—but real-world readiness remains untested – 4 Jul 2025

Here are what the changes are

India charts new waters: DGS floats first-ever biofuel bunkering guidelines Seeks to close critical regulatory gaps in safety, quality, and environmental safeguards for marine biofuels.

B30 and beyond: Government pushes for drop-in biofuels in Indian ports New framework permits FAME, HVO, and Bio-FT-diesel for bunkering—under tight operational and audit controls.

From tank truck to ship: Biofuel transfers get a regulatory overhaul India adopts global best practices across all bunkering modes, with traceability, risk audits, and safety SOPs mandatory.

No certificate, no bunkering: DGS mandates multi-layered compliance for suppliers Mandatory ISO 9001 QMS, sustainability tags, and NABL-certified test reports now prerequisites for licensing.

Marine biofuel bunkering gets teeth with India’s first dedicated enforcement protocol Non-compliance could invite asset detention, license revocation, and surprise inspections.

Global playbook meets Indian ports: 25+ international standards now binding on bunkering ops New circular hardwires MARPOL, ISO 8217:2024, PESO, and BIS norms into Indian maritime fuel governance.

Simultaneous ops curtailed: India prioritises biofuel bunkering safety over terminal efficiency Crew changes, cargo ops, or waste offloads restricted during bunkering; ESD drills and PIC protocols now mandatory.

Fuel quality and traceability take centre stage in India’s maritime decarbonisation drive Suppliers must deliver blend-ratio-specific SDS, flash point data, and COQ from NABL-accredited labs.

India's biofuel push reaches maritime sector—but execution will be key While the draft sets a high regulatory bar, implementation capacity and industry readiness remain unclear.

Biofuel bunkering becomes audit-heavy: IRS, PESO, PNGRB roles deepen India mandates annual surveillance, live ops demonstration, and pre-clearance for every bunkering event.

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Also know why real word readiness is still untested